three-dimensional

adjective

three-di·​men·​sion·​al ˈthrē-də-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce three-dimensional (audio)
 also  -dī-
1
: of, relating to, or having three dimensions
2
: giving the illusion of depth or varying distances
used especially of an image or a pictorial representation on a two-dimensional medium when this illusion is enhanced by stereoscopic means
3
: describing or being described in well-rounded completeness
a three-dimensional analysis of multiple historical processesL. L. Snyder
4
: true to life : lifelike
three-dimensionality noun

Examples of three-dimensional in a Sentence

an actress who has been acclaimed for her three-dimensional portrayal of the celebrated monarch
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This work at the London Art Fair for Oliver Projects marks a thoughtful departure from his earlier fully three-dimensional sculptures. Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Her approach is more three-dimensional, drawing on everything from vintage magazine archives and glamorous couture to text exchanges with Charli XCX. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2025 This past fall, for Carolina Herrera’s spring 2025 collection, designer Wes Gordon played with polka dots in a few different ways, from floral crocheted dresses to contrasting inverted takes on black and white polka dots to three-dimensional floral polka dots. Marissa Muller, WWD, 18 Jan. 2025 Advocates say that people with dyslexia tend to be good problem solvers and adept at three-dimensional thinking. Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for three-dimensional 

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of three-dimensional was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near three-dimensional

Cite this Entry

“Three-dimensional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three-dimensional. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

three-dimensional

adjective
1
: of, relating to, or having three dimensions (as length, width, and height)
2
: giving the appearance of depth or varying distances

More from Merriam-Webster on three-dimensional

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